Canada and Quebec support improved transit service in Laval

LAVAL, QC, Aug. 8, 2017 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Quebec recognize that investing in public transit infrastructure is crucial to economic growth, reducing pollution and creating inclusive communities where everyone has access to public services and job opportunities.

Marc Miller, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Francine Charbonneau, Minister Responsible for Seniors and Anti-Bullying, and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region, today announced an investment of more than $30.4 million from the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund for 29 projects being undertaken by the Société de transport de Laval. The Government of Canada will invest more than $16.9 million in these projects and the Government of Quebec will contribute more than $13.5 million. The Société de transport de Laval will provide the remaining funding.

The projects made possible through this contribution include the purchase of 22 hybrid buses, garage refurbishments and expansions, the installation of charging stations on hybrid buses, and the addition and replacement of bus shelters. Studies will also be conducted on preferential measures to improve bus services and address mobility issues.

Once completed, these projects will make the Laval public transit system more reliable, efficient and inclusive, thereby meeting the community's immediate needs while preparing for anticipated increases in ridership in the future.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is investing in projects that contribute to building sustainable communities, while promoting economic development and the growth of the middle class. The many public transit projects announced today will help improve commute times, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the overall user experience, thereby also preparing the city of Laval for future growth."

Marc Miller, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"The Government of Quebec's investment, together with that of the Government of Canada and the Société de transport de Laval, will greatly improve transit fluidity and the user experience. These projects will contribute to Laval's economic growth while improving air quality and residents' quality of life. These environmentally responsible alternatives to automobile travel will make Laval an ideal choice for families and workers seeking a modern, sustainable and safe lifestyle."

Francine Charbonneau, Minister Responsible for Seniors and Anti-Bullying and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region, on behalf of Laurent Lessard, Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification.

"We are very pleased that the governments of Canada and Quebec are attaching such importance to public transit. This nearly $ 33.5-million investment marks another step for the Société de transport de Laval in achieving its targets for greenhouse gas reductions and increased ridership. The projects to be realized through this Public Transit Infrastructure Fund allocation will enable the Société to improve its customer service, modernize and expand its infrastructure and update its management tools. In the end, the organization will improve its business practices and provide an even more competitive, modern and efficient transportation network. "

David De Cotis, President of the Société de transport de Laval

Quick Facts

The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

To support public transit, Budget 2017 is allocating $25.3 billion. This amount includes $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

Over the next 10 years, the Government of Quebec plans to invest more than $91.1 billion from the province's infrastructure plan in health, education and transportation, in order to improve families' quality of life and create conditions that support innovation and economic growth.

Related Product

Backgrounder

The governments of Canada and Quebec support better public transit services in LavalInvestments of more than $30.4 million

Public Transit Infrastructure Fund

The governments of Canada and Quebec are investing $30,438,900 in 29 projects being undertaken by the Société de transport de Laval(STL) to improve commute times, reduce air pollution, strengthen communities and grow the regional economy.

The Government of Canada is contributing $16,910,500, representing 50 percent of the total eligible costs, and the province is providing $13,528,400, representing 40 percent of the total eligible costs. The STL will provide the remaining funding.

List of projects

Project Name

Federal Funding

Provincial Funding

Funding from theSTL

Anticipated start date

Purchase and replacement of 22 hybrid buses in 2017

$9,716,000

$7,772,800

$1,943,200

January 1, 2017

Work to refurbish the garage at 2205 Francis-Hughes

$1,750,000

$1,400,000

$350,000

January 1, 2017

Preferential measures for buses – Phase 2 for a study on the Le Corbusier(centre) axis

$850,000

$680,000

$170,000

January 1, 2017

Garage construction – Phase 4 (studies)

$650,000

$520,000

$130,000

January 1, 2017

Preferential measures for buses – Phase 2 for a study on the other axes